Monday, July 23, 2007

PRO Defined

What's up with the word PRO? A noun, an adjective? Well, both actually. PRO is used to describe equipment, an attitude, a practice. It is a word that has many meanings and can be used interchangably. When I write the word, I use all caps to make it more pronounced, to give it more punch. But, in many ways, the use of caps helps to convey my love for things PRO and the use of caps gives the word some heart and soul. When I'm watching cycling, cruising a bike site, or reading a magazine and I come across something that is indicative of PRO racing, or the PRO culture, I say "that's so PRO. Or when it's really insanely PRO, I may say something like that's so f#@*ing PRO.

Well, I came across a site the other day that contained some images from Paris Roubaix that were simply too much, even for a seasoned PRO like myself. Paris Roubaix is always a great place to spy equipment and practices that are head and shoulders above the more routine races on the season's calendar. I think CSC is a team that's not afraid to bump it up a notch, evidenced by some of these shots. Check out how insane the 303s look when shod in the black and green Pave EVO CG tubular tires. I mean, come on that is about as PRO as it gets. And when you have a team car rooftop filled with these machines, my little brain begins to swirl and smoke under the stress of computing the total PRO-ness.

Check out this action, too: 180mm cranks? When I labored in the trenches and some 5'4" goof ball on a $300 road bike would drop in asking for a 58t chainring and 180mm cranks in order to tackle the local highway overpass we would laugh him outta the shop. But when I see a 180mm crank in the PRO ranks... well then, that my friend, is PRO, F'ing PRO to be exact.

PRO can be an attitude. Like when Jens Voight grits his teeth while pulling the entire break away or choosing to train in 38 degree rain. Racing anything for 24 hours is PRO, skipping desert for 6 months is PRO and so is a massage after a wicked hard weekend of racing. Drinking black coffee as opposed to a carmel, mocha, equalized, double tall frappa-whippeo is also PRO. So use the term freely as you will; make it your own, take PRO to the races, the group rides and airwaves.

Pro is seeing Sven Nys get a rear flat riding Duro-Ace carbon wheels with Dugast Tubulars on the opposite side of the pit area. He rides thru all hell on that flat and then chases the leaders. That's ProPorn

Speaking of Roubaix, I was always impressed with the Pro's that were able to keep their jerseys clean during a mudfest Paris-Roubaix. One Pro name comes to mind. Francesco Moser. I remember his awesome shoulders and the rubber hinge in his lower back, he rode so low. He was so mean looking but so gracious on the bike. What a super champion!ari

So, last night I'm re-wrapping my handlebars and it's not going very well. Over the years, I've gained countless amounts of mechanical knowledge for cycling, but, to this day, still can't wrap a pair of handlebars for the life of me.

As I finished up my 'attempt', I said to myself "This looks good enough". I started eating dinner and decided to check Belgian Kneewarmers for some good reading, and, low and behold, ya had to post this "Pro" thing. I read it, and realized, yes...it DOES matter. I put my dinner down, got up, and spent the next hour or so (yes...hour or so) trying to re-wrap the bars as Pro as I could.

I don't like to nitpick, but I've been bothered by something in this year's Tour that strikes me as distinctly unPRO. (and I don't mean Vino)

On several stages, Lightweight has painted their logo on the pavement of camera friendly switchbacks. Yes, the Tour is a logo-fest and yes, Tour viewers are prime lightweight customers, but this is weak.

My opinion - A rider's name spray-painted on the road of a major Tour is the essence of PRO. It's a fan thing, with no sports equivelent, and it should stay that way. Lightweight, you've got a cool product, but no more, OK?

Keith Moore - BKW suffered a complete data loss recently and with it went my book marks. So, unfortunately I cannot locate the page. I can tell you it was a German cycling forum with MTB and Road action alike. Once I locate it again I will be sure to post a link.

Tour of California 07: I'm running up Balcom Canyon next to Bettini with "El Grillo" written across my chest...im Euro-screaming as loud as I can in his ear and tapping him on his jersey so I can say I touch the World Champ stripes. The dude never turned his head a centimeter in my general direction. His eyes were locked on the wheel in front of him, ignoring me and the other 25,000 bike-dorks on Balcom. That, my friends, is PRO.

"When I labored in the trenches and some 5'4" goof ball on a $300 road bike would drop in asking for a 58t chainring and 180mm cranks in order to tackle the local highway overpass we would laugh him outta the shop."

How horribly elitist... but absolutely true and hilarious! Recently found the BKW blog. What a great site, thank you!

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Belgium Knee Warmers Defined

For many professional cyclists the Spring campaign is the toughest of the season; it means training from October until March in the worst, character-building weather conditions Europe can dish out. This weather and the suffering that is bicycle racing breed characters known as "hardmen".

Select cyclists tackle these conditions in shorts, long sleeve jerseys or short sleeve jerseys with arm warmers, wind vests, and shoe covers. A true hardman opts to forego the knee or leg warmers and instead chooses an embrocation to cover the knees. The liniment provides warmth for the legs and keeps the blood circulating and muscles supple. Embrocation and the sheen created is affectionately known as "Belgium knee warmers". The hardest of cyclists will sport bare legs in the most ruthless of conditions.

Belgium Knee Warmers are indicitive of the many subtleties that make professional cycling so enthralling.

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Profile

I spent 20 years of my life working in the bicycle industry, turning wrenches and selling bikes for some of the industry's best shops. I have extensive experience designing and constructing frames in both steel and titanium and have performed thousands of bike fits. I am passionate about bicycles in all forms. The bicycle provides me with physical and mental health and taps me into a social pipeline that allows me to share my passion with others. I ride as often as possible and love the flow of a hard group ride. Check back for musings about all things road cycling and, especially, the Spring Classics. The devil is in the details and I am an expert in the useless minutia that makes up our discipline.